Australia’s visa nomination system for subclasses 491 (Skilled Work Regional) and 190 (Skilled Nominated) is strategically designed to address specific economic and labor needs in each state and territory. These visas allow skilled workers to live and work in designated regions or permanently in Australia. Certain states stand out for their robust nomination programs, with unique reasons and preferences for targeted occupations. Here’s an in-depth look:
Top States for Visa 491 and Visa 190 Nomination
1. Victoria
- Allocation: For 2024-25, Victoria has 5,000 skilled nomination places (3,000 for 190 and 2,000 for 491 visas).
- Why High Nomination?:
- Victoria’s economy thrives on high-demand industries, especially technology, healthcare, and education.
- The state supports skilled migration to maintain its leadership in innovation and address regional workforce shortages.
- Key Occupations:
- Engineers (civil, mechanical, and electrical), IT specialists (cybersecurity analysts, software developers), healthcare professionals (registered nurses, physiotherapists), and secondary school teachers.
- Focus is also given to occupations that support the state’s infrastructure projects and regional economic growth
2. New South Wales (NSW)
- Allocation: 5,000 places for 2024-25, with 3,000 for 190 visas and 2,000 for 491 visas.
- Why High Nomination?:
- NSW is Australia’s largest state economy, with diverse industries requiring a constant influx of skilled labor.
- Regional areas in NSW prioritize occupations critical to their development under the 491 visa.
- Key Occupations:
- Accountants, ICT professionals, healthcare workers (doctors, nurses), and engineers.
- Regional NSW prioritizes agriculture, construction, and trades like electricians and plumbers. Offshore applicants are also welcomed for specific skill groups, provided they meet strict criteria
3. South Australia
- Allocation: 3,800 places (3,000 for 190 visas and 800 for 491 visas).
- Why High Nomination?:
- South Australia actively seeks skilled migrants for regional development and to fill shortages in critical sectors.
- The state emphasizes regional settlement to strengthen local economies and communities.
- Key Occupations:
- Agriculture specialists (veterinarians, horticulturists), healthcare workers, tradespeople (mechanics, welders), and educators.
- Offshore applicants face stringent requirements, such as superior English proficiency and 5–8 years of work experience
4. Western Australia (WA)
- Allocation: 5,000 places for 2024-25, with ongoing monthly invitation rounds and waived application fees.
- Why High Nomination?:
- WA is heavily reliant on its mining, healthcare, and construction industries, making skilled migration essential to maintain productivity.
- The government actively promotes migration to support its rural and remote areas.
- Key Occupations:
- Nurses, civil engineers, chefs, electricians, and geologists.
- WA also targets professionals in renewable energy and technology
5. Tasmania
- Allocation: 2,860 places (2,100 for 190 visas and 760 for 491 visas).
- Why High Nomination?:
- Tasmania’s small population and increasing economic activities demand skilled migrants, particularly in healthcare and agriculture.
- The state encourages settlement in regional areas to promote balanced growth.
- Key Occupations:
- Registered nurses, IT professionals, agricultural scientists, and trades (e.g., carpenters, chefs).
- Tasmania often gives priority to applicants with ties to the region or demonstrated commitment to residing there long-term.
6. Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
- Allocation: 1,800 places, divided between 1,000 for 190 visas and 800 for 491 visas.
- Why High Nomination?:
- ACT focuses on addressing skills shortages in Canberra’s government, IT, and healthcare sectors.
- Applicants must meet the ACT Critical Skills List, which includes jobs essential to the territory’s needs.
- Key Occupations:
- ICT specialists (system administrators, software engineers), accountants, healthcare workers, and construction managers
7. Northern Territory (NT)
- Allocation: 1,600 places, doubling from the previous year.
- Why High Nomination?:
- NT targets migrants who commit to living and working in remote regions to sustain its population and economy.
- Key Occupations:
- Healthcare professionals, teachers, and tradespeople in demand for regional development projects
Why Certain States Dominate Nomination Programs?
- Regional Development: States like Tasmania, South Australia, and Northern Territory focus on attracting migrants to less-populated regions, ensuring economic growth and community sustainability.
- Targeted Skill Shortages: Each state nominates occupations based on specific labor market gaps. For example, WA focuses on mining and construction, while NSW and Victoria prioritize IT and healthcare.
- Flexible Nomination Policies: States like WA and SA are particularly welcoming, with streamlined processes and reduced application fees to attract migrants.
- Global Competition: Australian states compete with each other and globally to attract skilled talent, offering incentives such as permanent residency pathways and faster processing times.
How to Maximize Your Chances for Nomination?
- Check State Occupation Lists: States publish occupation lists annually. Match your qualifications with those in demand.
- Enhance Eligibility: Achieve superior English proficiency, gather experience in your field, and secure a positive skills assessment.
- Demonstrate Commitment: States like Tasmania and NT favor applicants willing to live and work in regional areas long-term.
- Engage Migration Agents: Professionals can help streamline your application and ensure you meet state-specific criteria.
By understanding each state’s requirements and aligning your skills with their needs, you can significantly increase your chances of securing a nomination under subclass 491 or 190
